Chapter 24: Two Baskets of Figs—A Lesson in Judgment and Hope
(10 Pesukim)
Overview
Hashem gives Yermiyahu a vivid vision to illustrate the contrasting destinies of two groups of Judah’s people: those already exiled to Babylon and those who remain in Jerusalem. Through the image of good and bad figs, Hashem reveals His plan for restoration and His judgment on rebellion.
- The Vision of Two Baskets (24:1-3)
After Nebuchadnezzar exiled Yechanya the son of Yehoyakim, the king of Yehuda, and all the ministers of Yehuda, Yermiyahu was shown in a prophecy two baskets of figs placed before the Temple:
- One basket of very good figs—fresh and ripe.
- One basket of very bad figs—rotten and inedible.
- Hashem asks what Yermiyahu sees, and he describes the stark contrast of the two types of figs.
- The Meaning of the Good Figs (24:4-7)
- Hashem explains: The good figs represent the exiles taken to Babylon with Jeconiah.
- Though displaced, they are under Hashem’s favor: He will watch over them for good.
- He will bring them back to the land.
- He will rebuild and plant them, not destroy or uproot.
He will give them a heart to know Him fully—they will return to Him wholeheartedly and be His people.
- The Meaning of the Bad Figs (24:8-10)
- The bad figs symbolize King Tzidkiyahu, his officials, and those left in Jerusalem or who fled to Egypt.
- Their fate: They will become objects of horror and disgrace—a curse among nations.
- Sword, famine, and plague will pursue them until they are wiped from the land Hashem gave their ancestors.
